What should go into a White Paper?
I've heard the term "white paper" used in many situations. I've been asked before to write white papers on different subjects, though I've never successfully completed one. I've read many different white papers on differing subjects. It seems to me a white paper is really nothing more than a free form document written about a subject with the sole purpose of attempting to convince others of your way of view. Is this an accurate assessment?
To that end, I have several questions directly concerning white papers:
- What elements should go into a white paper?
- Is there any specific format, or is it mainly free form as I suggested?
- Is there a customary length to a white paper (i.e.: what is considered too short/long)?
Note: I've read Outlining for white papers, but it doesn't answer my questions.
1 answer
From Wikipedia:
A white paper is an authoritative report or guide that informs readers concisely about a complex issue and presents the issuing body's philosophy on the matter. It is meant to help readers understand an issue, solve a problem, or make a decision.
Basically to write a "White Paper" you need to be an expert in the subject you are writing about. For example if you are the creator of a new technology or programming framework and discuss the advantages, disadvantages and design decisions it would be called a "White Paper".
The rest is up to the specific field and your preferences. That means you are correct in assuming that it's pretty much free form.
The length is not clearly defined. It should be as long as it needs to be to bring your points across, but the goal should be to be concise, so try not to be too much longer. The German Wikipedia states:
White Papers geben auf mindestens zwei Seiten einen Überblick über Vor- und Nachteile, Kosten und Einsparpotenzial einer bestimmten Problemlösung.
Which roughly translates to (emphasis and translation by me):
White Papers give an overview on at least two pages about advantages and disadvantages, costs and saving potentials of a certain solution to a problem.
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